Innovative Treatment Models for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care

Abstract

Over five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia (AD).  As the “Baby Boomer” generation continues to age, the number of individuals suffering from AD will likely grow exponentially over the next three decades.  While the traditional model of AD care relies primarily on long term residential care and focuses almost exclusively on the relationship between the AD patient and primary care provider, continued focus on this model is placing increased financial strain on state and federal payment programs as well as caregivers.  Further, family members and acquaintances routinely experience significant emotional and financial challenges in the course of providing personal care and support.  Unless public and private stakeholders innovate care delivery models for AD patients, current pressures on reimbursement programs, caregivers, and individual patients will soon prove unsustainable.

This article examines the pressing need for developing and implementing an innovative care delivery model for individuals suffering from AD.  It begins with an overview of the historical treatment model for AD and identifies the impact of such treatment on patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders.  We then identify key components of a package of services facilitating an “aging in place” model of care that likely will significantly reduce the cost-burden and emotional strain of AD treatment: (i) telehealth services, (ii) home health care, and (iii) behavioral health therapies, and examine current obstacles to implementing these care mechanisms. 

Finally, we analyze existing barriers to implementing the package of services discussed above and provide an overview of opportunities to remove present obstacles to care.

The authors are with the Boston headquartered law firm Hinckley Allen whose web site is: http://www.hinckleyallen.com/ .  Additional information about each of the authors may be found at the links below: 

Anne Murphy: http://www.hinckleyallen.com/people/anne-m-murphy/

Jared Shwartz:  http://www.hinckleyallen.com/people/jared-l-shwartz/

An audio interview with the authors on this subject matter may be found at: https://jjunland.egnyte.com/dl/eyzRyNwQ85